I’ve been using the Pixel Watch 3 as one of my main workout devices for over a year now, and it’s been able to keep me on track with features like AI run recommendations and the new Personal Health Coach. However, after recently moving, I’ve finally managed to unlock another Pixel Watch superpower that I almost forgot existed.
My new building has a gym with a few Peloton machines, and I was excited to try them out since I’ve never used a Peloton before. Then I remembered something that got me even more excited: I can connect my Pixel Watch 3 to the machine as a live heart rate sensor!
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I had to figure a few things out first
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
Admittedly, figuring out how to connect the Pixel Watch to a Peloton machine wasn’t as straightforward as I thought, but at the same time, it was easier than I had been led to believe.
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I initially thought I had to download the Peloton Wear OS app to get things working, but all that does is let you start workouts from the watch and connect to your smartphone app with your live heart rate. I found that I don’t really need the Wear OS app to connect to Peloton equipment for live heart rate monitoring on the machine, which seems to be a separate function from what the Wear OS app offers.
What you do need if you have a Peloton machine is an account, the smartphone app, and a membership to really take advantage of all the machine has to offer, such as the bevy of classes available. Peloton memberships start as low as $9.99 per month, but you’ll probably want to go with the $12.99 Peloton App One option, which I think is the best value.
Once you’re set up, you can log into your Peloton machine and start working out. But of course, you’ll want to connect your Pixel Watch to the machine for live heart rate tracking, and it’s actually much easier than you might think.
How to connect your Pixel Watch to a Peloton
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
1. On the Peloton, tap the Settings button in the top right corner, then tap Heart Rate. The device will begin searching for compatible heart rate monitors.
2. On the Pixel Watch, swipe down to show the Quick Settings menu. Select the “Connected fitness” icon, which appears as a heart with two lines on one side.
3. Tap “Connect.” The Pixel Watch will then become visible for a certain amount of time.
4. On the Peloton, tap “Connect” when the Pixel Watch appears on the screen.
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With that, you should be ready to use your Pixel Watch as a heart rate monitor during any workout. You can also save the connection so you won’t have to go through the steps again, and you can disconnect manually on the Peloton by returning to the Settings and disconnecting the Pixel Watch from the Heart Rate menu.
Keep in mind that this capability is not available on the original Pixel Watch.
Don’t sleep on this feature if you have a Peloton and Pixel Watch
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
What’s great about this feature is that I don’t need to purchase any extra equipment to make it work. The Pelotons I’ve been using belong to my building, but these machines aren’t exactly cheap. Who wants to buy a heart rate monitor after dropping a few thousand dollars on a Peloton, especially when you can just rely on something you likely already have and use?
It’s also just nice to have my heart rate displayed in the top left corner during my workout, and it really helps me maximize my workouts. The instructors sometimes ask you to aim for a specific heart rate zone, and it keeps me from constantly checking my watch to make sure I’m in the right zone, which can interrupt my workout flow.
(Image credit: Derrek Lee / Android Central)
And while I mostly ignore the Wear OS app, you can still connect your Peloton account to other apps and devices. This includes Health Connect, Fitbit, Garmin Connect, and Strava, making it easy to share your progress on your workout app of choice and across devices.
The best part is that the Pixel can connect to more than just Peloton, and the official list of devices and apps includes Tonal, Strava, Echelon, iFit (NordicTrack), and more. It’s nice to have options!
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The Pixel Watch 4 is perfect for long-time Fitbit users and new fitness enthusiasts who are looking to up their game with a functional and good-looking smartwatch.
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